sustainability

Pineapple House designers are happy to discuss sustainability and the many green options available to clients.

Recycling furniture is one wonderful method of conservation that we embrace.  Clever reuse of furniture and accessories brings new life and meaning to items that are already part of their collection.  Since 1981, Pineapple House has refurbished sofas, chairs and ottomans by specifying new fabrics and having them reupholstered by local vendors.  In 1997, to expand our capabilities and more efficiently reuse, restyle and rebuild client's existing pieces, Pineapple House added an Upholstery Department to our in-house operations.  We didn't always track volume, but since 2005, we have recycled 43,435 tons of seating.

To alter, repair and update client's wooden furniture pieces like beds, tables and chests, in 1991, Pineapple House created an Art Department.  We offer clients eco-friendly paint alternatives with no or low VOC's, as well as green faux finish and plaster techniques.  In addition to painting and refinishing case goods, the department restores antiques, refinishes (instead of replacing) cabinetry, upgrades walls and ceilings with a variety of plaster and faux finishes, and employs wood-graining techniques to create the look of exotic and endangered wood.  Since 2005, Pineapple House artists have reworked 22,168 tons of furniture and resurfaced 26,350 square feet of walls and ceilings.

Internally, Pineapple House has adopted a number of waste-reducing office practices.  We utilize sophisticated purchasing, accounting and project management technologies with remote access, allowing designers and administrators to work paperless from any location.  In our offices and lunchroom, we recycle cardboard, paper, metal and plastic.  Lights in low-traffic zones are on sensors, timers and dimmers.  Our restrooms employ low-flow plumbing fixtures and our HVAC systems are on programmable set-back thermostats.  We recycle excess fabric and outdated sample books by donating them to schools, quilt-makers and sewing centers.  We used water-efficient native trees and shrubs in our landscaping and were able to completely stop using our irrigation system in 2005.

Sustainability is a journey, not a destination.  Step by step, Pineapple House has worked to reduce our firm's footprint as we offer viable design options to enhance our client's lifestyle, comfort and health.